Original Word: חָדַד
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chadad
Pronunciation: khaw-DAD
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-dad')
KJV: be fierce, sharpen
NASB: sharpened, keener, show yourself sharp
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe

be fierce, sharpen

A primitive root; to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe -- be fierce, sharpen.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be sharp, keen
NASB Translation
keener (1), sharpened (3), show yourself sharp (1).

[חָדַד] verb be sharp, keen (Aramaic חֲדַד; Late Hebrew חִדֵּד sharpen; Arabic be sharp and sharpen; Assyrian Pi`el uddudu, sharpen, Dl^{Pr 174, W 121}) —

Qal Perfect וְחַדּ֫וּ מִזְּאֵבֵי עֶרֶב consecutive Habakkuk 1:8 are keener than evening wolves (of impetuous Chaldean horses).

Hiph`il הֵחֵד (Che Or Brd) or יַחֵד (Näg compare Dr^{§ 123 a, R}), insert Isaiah 44:12 after ᵐ5 ᵑ6: the smith sharpeneth an axe.

Hoph`al Perfect3feminine singular הוּחַדָּה Ezekiel 21:14; Ezekiel 21:15; Ezekiel 21:16 be sharpened (in all, subject חֶרֶב). — See also 1. חדה.

I. [חָדָה] verb be or grow sharp; —

Qal grow sharp, Imperfect with apocope = jussive יָ֑חַד Proverbs 27:17 a;

Hiph`il sharpen (figurative), Imperfect apoc. יַ֫חַד Proverbs 27:17 b; בַּרְזֶל בְּבֶרְזֶל יָ֑חַד וְאִישׁ יַחְד מְּנֵירֵֿעֵהוּ let iron by means of iron grow sharp, and let a man sharpen the countenance (presence, bearing) of his friend; — so Ki<sup>Michl. 126 a</sup> De Now Kö<sup>Lgb i, 373 f.</sup>, compare Str. (who however makes both forms Hiph`il)

Overview of Scriptural Usage

The verb חָדַד appears six times in the Old Testament, functioning in two principal ways: literal sharpening of metal for warfare (Ezekiel 21) and metaphorical sharpening of character, resolve, or ferocity (Proverbs 27:17; Habakkuk 1:8). In every case the imagery involves intensifying an edge—whether on iron, a prophetic sword, or human determination—so that God’s purposes advance with precision and power.

Proverbs 27:17 – Sharpening Fellowship

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” This well-loved proverb applies the forge to friendships. The reciprocal action of steel on steel illustrates mutual edification: godly conversation, accountability, and correction sand away dullness and bring a keener spiritual edge. The term underscores that personal growth in wisdom is neither solitary nor casual; it requires intentional friction inside covenant community, producing believers who cut cleanly through folly and compromise.

Ezekiel 21 – The Sword of Judgment

Three consecutive verses (Ezekiel 21:9-11) repeat חָדַד to dramatize a sword prepared for judgment:

• Ezekiel 21:9 – “A sword, a sword, sharpened and also polished!”
• Ezekiel 21:10 – “It is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning!”
• Ezekiel 21:11 – “The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand; it is sharpened and polished, set in the hand of the slayer.”

The Babylonian invasion is portrayed as Yahweh’s own blade. The relentless emphasis on sharpening heightens the imminence and inevitability of divine discipline. What appears as Babylonian military might is, in fact, a sanctified instrument honed by God’s sovereignty. Judgment is neither reckless nor blunt; it is deliberate, precise, and righteous.

Habakkuk 1:8 – The Swiftness of Divine Instruments

“Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk.” Habakkuk laments the advance of the Chaldeans. Here חָדַד depicts the fierce, razor-like aggression of cavalry. Just as Ezekiel saw a sharpened sword, Habakkuk sees sharpened predators. Both prophets grapple with the same truth: God can whet pagan powers to accomplish covenantal chastening. The word calls hearers to reckon with divine holiness that will not tolerate chronic rebellion.

Historical Background and Cultural Insights

In the Ancient Near East, sharpening metal demanded time, heat, and repeated grinding—imagery well known to a people who lived by the sword or plow. A freshly honed edge signified readiness, whether for harvest or battle. Israel’s prophets leveraged this everyday process to communicate two parallel realities: the Lord prepares His people for service, and He prepares judgments for sin. The dual use mirrors the Deuteronomic blessings and curses: obedience receives cultivation; rebellion encounters the blade.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Sanctification involves sharpening. Spiritual life grows keener through Scriptural truth, Spirit-led conviction, and Christ-centered fellowship (Hebrews 4:12; Colossians 3:16).
2. Divine judgment is purposeful, not arbitrary. The repeated sharpening in Ezekiel teaches that God never swings a dull sword; His acts are measured, fulfilling covenant promises.
3. God may hone unexpected agents. Chaldeans and Babylonians, though ungodly, become polished weapons in His hand (Isaiah 10:5-6). This humbles the faithful to trust His wisdom even when His methods seem severe.
4. Mutual sharpening safeguards communities. Churches that cultivate honest, Scripture-saturated relationships imitate Proverbs 27:17, preventing moral corrosion and fostering maturity.

Practical Application for Discipleship

• Engage in accountable relationships where open exhortation is normal. The edge of character dulls in isolation.
• Approach trial as a whetstone, not merely an obstacle. God refines perseverance and discernment through hardship (James 1:2-4).
• Discern cultural “swords.” Nations, policies, or events may be instruments God sharpens. Wise believers view global turmoil through a prophetic lens, prompting intercession and repentance.
• Preach and teach the full counsel of God. Omitting judgment passages blunts the edge of the gospel. A sharpened message includes both the warning of wrath and the hope of redemption found in Jesus Christ, whose blood satisfies the sword of justice (Isaiah 53:5).

Summary

חָדַד threads through Scripture as the verb of the whetstone, bringing clarity to three arenas: fellowship that refines, judgment that reforms, and zeal that propels. Whether forging friendships or forecasting wrath, the biblical writers present a God who never tolerates dullness—calling His people to a life honed for His glory and sharpened for His service.

הוּחַ֔דָּה הוּחַ֖דָּה הוּחַ֤דָּה הוחדה וְחַדּוּ֙ וחדו יַ֣חַד יָ֑חַד יחד hū·ḥad·dāh huChaddah hūḥaddāh vechadDu wə·ḥad·dū wəḥaddū ya·ḥaḏ yā·ḥaḏ Yachad yaḥaḏ yāḥaḏInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts